Technologies for underfloor fluid conduction

ABSTRACT

A technology includes a first plate including a first pair of legs defining a first channel; a second plate including a second pair of legs defining a second channel; a first block supporting the first plate and the second plate such that the first block is positioned between the first channel and the second channel; a second block including a U-shaped trench with a first open end portion and a second open end portion, wherein the first open end portion leads to the first channel, wherein the second open end portion leads to the second channel; a tube extending within the U-shaped trench; and a U-shaped cover covering the U-shaped trench.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional of U.S. Nonprovisionalapplication Ser. No. 15/727,008 filed 6 Oct. 2017; which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/485,504 filed 14Apr. 2017; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to underfloor fluid conduction.

BACKGROUND

In this disclosure, where a document, an act, and/or an item ofknowledge is referred to and/or discussed, then such reference and/ordiscussion is not an admission that the document, the act, and/or theitem of knowledge and/or any combination thereof was at a priority date,publicly available, known to a public, part of common general knowledge,and/or otherwise constitutes any prior art under any applicablestatutory provisions; and/or is known to be relevant to any attempt tosolve any problem with which this disclosure is concerned with. Further,nothing is disclaimed.

Underfloor hydronic tubing is commonly used to warm or cool variousstructures, such as residential homes. However, there are severalproblems with how the underfloor hydronic tubing is installed.

First, the underfloor hydronic tubing can be installed such that athermal energy transfer between the underfloor hydronic tubing and afinished floor is not maximized. For example, if the underfloor hydronictubing is installed such that a layer of thermally insulating material,such as a wood block, is positioned between the underfloor hydronictubing and the finished floor, then such configuration reduces thethermal energy transfer between the underfloor hydronic tubing and thefinished floor. As such, there is a desire to maximize the thermalenergy transfer between the underfloor hydronic tubing and the finishedfloor.

Second, the underfloor hydronic tubing can be installed such that theunderfloor hydronic tubing is exposed, which often results in puncturingof the underfloor hydronic tubing from a piece of debris, such as a nailor a shard of glass, at a work site. As such, there is a desire tominimize exposure of the underfloor hydronic tubing.

SUMMARY

This disclosure at least partially addresses at least one of aboveinefficiencies. However, this disclosure can prove useful to othertechnical areas. Therefore, various claims recited below should not beconstrued as necessarily limited to addressing any of the aboveinefficiencies.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a system comprises afirst plate including a first pair of legs defining a first channel; asecond plate including a second pair of legs defining a second channel;a first block supporting the first plate and the second plate such thatthe first block is positioned between the first channel and the secondchannel; a second block including a U-shaped trench with a first openend portion and a second open end portion, wherein the first open endportion leads to the first channel, wherein the second open end portionleads to the second channel; a tube extending within the U-shapedtrench; and a U-shaped cover covering the U-shaped trench.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a method comprisessupporting a first plate and a second plate via a first block, whereinthe first plate includes a first pair of legs defining a first channel,wherein the second plate including a second pair of legs defining asecond channel, wherein the first block is positioned between the firstchannel and the second channel; positioning a second block including aU-shaped trench with a first open end portion and a second open endportion such that the first open end portion leads to the first channeland the second open end portion leads to the second channel; andcovering a tube extending within the U-shaped trench with a U-shapedcover.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a device comprises aspacing jig including a block, a handle, and a plurality of legs,wherein the handle is secured to the block, wherein the legs are securedto the block such that the legs extend transversely to the block and arespaced apart from each other, wherein at least one of the legs isL-shaped.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a method comprisespositioning a first block on a surface, wherein the first block includesa first ledge and a first wall; positioning a first leg of a segment onthe first ledge against the first wall, wherein the segment includes asecond leg; positioning a second block on the surface, wherein thesecond block includes a second ledge and a second wall, wherein thefirst wall faces the second wall; positioning the second leg on thesecond ledge against the second wall; and securing the second block tothe surface.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a system comprises asubfloor; a finished floor; a pair of blocks positioned between thesubfloor and the finished floor; and a plate including a pair of legsdefining a channel, wherein the pair of blocks are supporting the platesuch that the channel extends between the pair of blocks, wherein thepair of legs extends from the plate toward the subfloor, wherein thefinished floor faces the pair of blocks and the plate.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a system comprises asubfloor; a finished floor; a block positioned between the subfloor andthe finished floor, wherein the block defines a well therein; and aplate including a pair of legs defining a channel, wherein the blocksupports the plate such that the channel extends within the well,wherein the pair of legs extends from the plate toward the subfloor,wherein the finished floor faces the block and the plate.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a device comprises aU-shaped plate; and a hydronic tube coupled to the U-shaped plate.

This disclosure is embodied in various forms illustrated in a set ofaccompanying illustrative drawings. Note that variations arecontemplated as being a part of this disclosure, limited only by a scopeof various claims recited below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The set of accompanying illustrative drawings shows various exampleembodiments of this disclosure. Such drawings are not to be construed asnecessarily limiting this disclosure. Like numbers and/or similarnumbering scheme can refer to like and/or similar elements throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit engaging a tubewhile resting on a block with a well such that the tube is positionedwithin the well according to this disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being positioned incontext of a subfloor and a finished floor where the tube engagementunit is supported via a pair of tailless blocks according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being positioned incontext of a subfloor and a finished floor where the tube engagementunit is supported via a single block according to this disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being positioned incontext of a subfloor and a finished floor where the tube engagementunit is supported via a pair of tailed blocks according to thisdisclosure.

FIGS. 6 and 7 shows an embodiment of an installation having a pluralityof tube engagement units according to this disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a U-shaped cover according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a U-shaped cover covering a U-shapedtrench such that a tube is positioned therebetween according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a block for supporting a tube engagementdevice according to this disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a block for supporting a tube engagementdevice according to this disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being supportedvia a pair of blocks according to this disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a plurality of blocks supporting aplurality of tube engagement units according to this disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a block defining a plurality of U-shapedtrenches therein according to this disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a first mode of installation ofunderfloor hydronic tubing according to this disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a second mode of installation ofunderfloor hydronic tubing according to this disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a third mode of installation ofunderfloor hydronic tubing according to this disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a jig for spacing apart a plurality of blocks according tothis disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure is now described more fully with reference to the set ofaccompanying illustrative drawings, in which example embodiments of thisdisclosure are shown. This disclosure can be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to theexample embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the example embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fullyconveys various concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in arelevant art.

Features described with respect to certain example embodiments can becombined and sub-combined in and/or with various other exampleembodiments. Also, different aspects and/or elements of exampleembodiments, as disclosed herein, can be combined and sub-combined in asimilar manner as well. Further, some example embodiments, whetherindividually and/or collectively, can be components of a larger system,wherein other procedures can take precedence over and/or otherwisemodify their application. Additionally, a number of steps can berequired before, after, and/or concurrently with example embodiments, asdisclosed herein. Note that any and/or all methods and/or processes, atleast as disclosed herein, can be at least partially performed via atleast one entity in any manner.

Various terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full orpartial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, whenan element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, then the element can be directly on, connected orcoupled to the other element and/or intervening elements can be present,including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” toanother element, there are no intervening elements present.

Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notnecessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are used todistinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from various teachings of this disclosure.

Various terminology used herein is for describing particular exampleembodiments and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of thisdisclosure. As used herein, various singular forms “a,” “an” and “the”are intended to include various plural forms as well, unless a contextclearly indicates otherwise. Various terms “comprises,” “includes”and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification,specify a presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence and/oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, a term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of a set ofnatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances.

Example embodiments of this disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of this disclosure. As such, variations from variousillustrated shapes as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniquesand/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, various example embodimentsof this disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited tovarious particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or beseparately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assemblyand/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can bemanufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additivemanufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and/or other any other typesof manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes includethree dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numericalcontrol routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming,hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and so forth.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/or include,whether partially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral,an amorphous material, a ceramic, a glass ceramic, an organic solid,such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a composite material, asemiconductor, a nanomaterial, a biomaterial and/or any combinationsthereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/orinclude, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including aninformational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesivecoating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, suchas tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such asfor tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency,translucency, opaqueness, luminescence, reflection, phosphorescence,anti-reflection and/or holography, a photo-sensitive coating, anelectronic and/or thermal property coating, such as for passivity,insulation, resistance or conduction, a magnetic coating, awater-resistant and/or waterproof coating, a scent coating and/or anycombinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, canbe rigid, flexible, and/or any other combinations thereof. Any and/orall elements, as disclosed herein, can be identical and/or differentfrom each other in material, shape, size, color and/or any measurabledimension, such as length, width, height, depth, area, orientation,perimeter, volume, breadth, density, temperature, resistance, and soforth.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in an art to which this disclosure belongs. Variousterms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with a meaning in acontext of a relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealizedand/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and“upper” can be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the set of accompanying illustrativedrawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of illustrated technologies in addition to an orientationdepicted in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. For example,if a device in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings were turnedover, then various elements described as being on a “lower” side ofother elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of otherelements. Similarly, if a device in one of illustrative figures wereturned over, then various elements described as “below” or “beneath”other elements would then be oriented “above” other elements. Therefore,various example terms “below” and “lower” can encompass both anorientation of above and below.

As used herein, a term “about” and/or “substantially” refers to a +/−10%variation from a nominal value/term. Such variation is always includedin any given value/term provided herein, whether or not such variationis specifically referred thereto.

If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and suchdisclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with this disclosure, thento an extent of a conflict, if any, and/or a broader disclosure, and/orbroader definition of terms, this disclosure controls. If suchdisclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with one another, then toan extent of a conflict, if any, a later-dated disclosure controls.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit according to thisdisclosure. A tube engagement unit 100 includes a plate 102 and areceptacle 104. The plate 102 and the receptacle 104 are unitary, suchas monolithic. In some embodiments, the plate 102 is assembled with thereceptacle 104, such as via fastening, adhering, magnetizing, mating, orother means or methods. In some embodiments, the unit 100 is structured,manufactured, and used, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,428, whichis fully incorporated by reference herein.

The plate 102 is rectilinearly elongated, rectangularly shaped, andincludes a thermally conductive material, such as metal, such as copper,iron, aluminum, or others, or an alloy, such as steel, brass, bronze, orothers. Note that variations on such structure are possible, such as theplate 102 being non-rectilinearly elongated, such as sinusoidal,arcuate, pulsating, zigzag, or others, the plate 102 beingnon-rectangularly shaped, such as any polygonal shape, or any othervariation in constituency, size, shape, or other characteristics.

In one or more embodiments, the plate 102 includes a plurality of bores110 bored therethrough such that the receptacle 104 is positionedtherebetween. The bores 110 are circular, but other shapes are possible,such as ovoid, elliptical, or others. The bores 110 are threaded, butmay be smooth. The bores 110 are identical in shape and size, but candiffer in shape, size, or any other characteristic, includingpositioning. In one or more embodiments, the plate 102 does not includebores 110.

The receptacle 104 is defined via a pair of legs 106 and includes athermally conductive material, such as metal, such as copper, iron,aluminum, or others, or an alloy, such as steel, brass, bronze, orothers. The legs 106 extend from the plate 102 away from the plate 102and longitudinally along a length of the plate 102 such that the legs106 oppose each other and a channel 108 is defined via the legs 106.Such opposition of the legs 106 enables the receptacle 104 to have aU-shape, C-shape, or V-shape cross-section. At least one of the legs 106is externally and internally smooth, but can include depressions,projections, grooves, bores, maters, fasteners, magnets, adhesives, orother structures.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit engaging a tubewhile resting on a block with a well such that the tube is positionedwithin the well according to this disclosure. The tube engagement unit100 retains a tube 112 in the channel 108 between the legs 106. The tube112 can be retained via inward pressure via the legs 106 onto the tube112, such as via friction. In some embodiments, the tube 112 is securedto the receptacle 104 via adhering, magnets, fastening, mating, or otherways. The tube 112 is used for underfloor fluid conduction, such as forradiant heating or cooling. For example, the tube 112 can conduct aliquid, such as water, or a mixture of liquids, such as water andalcohol or antifreeze or salt.

The tube engagement unit 100 is supported via a block 114, such as asleeper, which contains a well 116 therein such that the tube 112 withinthe channel 108 is positioned within the well 116. The well 116 can beC-shaped, U-shaped, or V-shaped in cross-section. The tube 112 can be incontact with a bottom surface of the well 116 or avoid contacting thebottom surface 116 such that a gap exists therebetween. Similarly, thelegs 106 can be in contact with a sidewall of the well 116 or avoidcontacting the sidewall such that a gap exists therebetween. The block114 includes a thermally insulating material, such as wood, such asplywood. Although the block 114 is shown as a single block 114, a pairof the blocks 114 can be positioned immediately adjacent to each otherin order to define the well 116. For example, the pair of blocks 114 canbe symmetrical to each other, although the pair of blocks 114 can beasymmetrical to each other or be identical to or different from eachother in any physical property, such as shape, size, constituency,conductivity, coatings, or others.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being positioned incontext of a subfloor and a finished floor where the tube engagementunit is supported via a pair of tailless blocks 114 a, 114 b accordingto this disclosure. The tube engagement unit 100 is positioned incontext of a subfloor 118 and a finished floor 120, which oppose eachother. Each of the blocks 114 a, 114 b is tailless, is positionedbetween the subfloor 118 and the finished floor 120, and includes aledge 122 and a wall 124 defining the ledge 122. The blocks 114 a, 114 bare trapezoidal in cross-section, but other shapes are possible, whethersymmetric or asymmetric, such as square, a rectangle, a triangle, anoval, a circle, or any other polygonal or non-polygonal shape. Thesubfloor 118 and the blocks 114 a, 114 b define the well 116therebetween, in which the tube 112 extends, while avoiding contact withthe subfloor 118 such that a gap exists therebetween. The plate 102 issupported via the ledges 122 such that the plate 102 is between thewalls 124. In some embodiments, the plate 102 can be contacting at leastone of the walls 124. The legs 106 avoid contact with the blocks 114 a,114 b, while extending toward the subfloor 118. The finished floor 120faces the blocks 114 a, 114 b and the plate 102. The finished floor 120can be in contact with the plate 102.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being positioned incontext of a subfloor and a finished floor where the tube engagementunit is supported via a single block according to this disclosure. Incontrast to FIG. 3, the tube engagement unit 100 is supported via asingle block 114, which defines the well 116 therein. The tube 112 is incontact with the bottom of the well 116.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being positioned incontext of a subfloor and a finished floor where the tube engagementunit is supported via a pair of tailed blocks according to thisdisclosure. In contrast to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tube engagement unit 100is supported via a pair of tailed blocks 114 a, 114 b positionedimmediately adjacent to each other, where each of the tailed blocks 114a, 114 b includes a first elongated tail 124 a, 124 b and a secondelongated tail 126 a, 126 b, respectively. As such, the tailed blocks114 a, 114 b define the well 116, where the tube 112 avoids contact withthe tails 124 a, 124 b, while the legs 106 avoid contact with the tailedblocks 114 a, 114 b. In some embodiments, at least one of the tails 124a, 124 b, 126 a, 126 b can be configured for fastening, mating,adhering, interlocking, magnetizing, or other securing ways to othertails, blocks, surfaces, walls, or other structures.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of an installation having a pluralityof tube engagement units according to this disclosure. The tubeengagement units 100 are supported via the blocks 114 a, 114 b, 114 c,114 d, where the tube engagement units 100 and the blocks 114 a, 114 b,114 c, 114 d alternate in a rectilinearly parallel manner, althoughother configurations are possible, as disclosed herein. The tubeengagement units 100 and the blocks 114 a, 114 b, 114 c, 114 d arepositioned between a plurality of blocks 130, such as a plurality ofsleepers.

The blocks 130 define a plurality of bores 138 bored therethrough, suchas for fastening to the subfloor 118. The bores 138 are circular, butother shapes are possible, such as ovoid, elliptical, or others. Thebores 138 are smooth, but may be threaded. The bores 138 are identicalin shape and size, but can differ in shape, size, or any othercharacteristic, including positioning. The bores 138 host a plurality offasteners 140, such as screws, bolts, nails, or others, whetheridentical to or different from each other in structure, function, orpositioning. The fasteners 140 fasten the blocks 130 to the subfloor118. Similarly, the bores 110 host a plurality of fasteners 128, such asscrews, bolts, nails, or others, whether identical to or different fromeach other in structure, function, or positioning. The fasteners 128fasten the tube engagement units 100 to the blocks 114 a, 114 b, 114 c,114 d.

The blocks 130 define a plurality of U-shaped trenches 132 and aplurality of arcuate trenches 136. Each of the U-shaped trenches 132includes a first open end portion and a second open end portion. Each ofthe arcuate trenches 136 includes a first open end portion and a secondopen end portion. As fully assembled, the first open end portions andthe second open end portions of the U-shaped trenches 132 and thearcuate trenches 136 are aligned with the channels 108. Therefore, thetube 112 is routed in a serpentine manner via the tube engagement units100, as supported via the blocks 114 a, 114 b, 114 c, 114 d, and via theU-shaped trenches 132 and via the arcuate trenches 136. Note that aplurality of portions 134 of the tube 112 in the U-shaped trenches 132and in the arcuate trenches 136 are exposed.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a U-shaped cover according to thisdisclosure. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a U-shaped cover covering aU-shaped trench such that a tube is positioned therebetween according tothis disclosure. A U-shaped cover 142 structured to cover the U-shapedtrench 132 such that the tube 112 extends between the U-shaped trench132 and the U-shaped cover 142. The U-shaped cover 142 may be unsecuredto the block 130 or adjacent blocks 114 or secured to the block 130 oradjacent blocks 114. For example, such securing can be via fastening,mating, adhering, magnetizing, nailing, or other securing techniques.The U-shaped cover 142 includes a thermally conductive material, such asmetal, such as copper, iron, aluminum, or others, or an alloy, such assteel, brass, bronze, or others. The U-shaped plate 142 is solid, butcan be perforated. The U-shaped plate 142 is planar and flat, butvariations are possible, such as via depressions or projections. TheU-shaped cover 142 can include a bore or can include a magnetic area.The U-shaped cover 142 extends longitudinally as a rectangular strip,but variations are possible, such as trapezoidal or others. In someembodiments, the arcuate trench 136 is covered with an arcuate cover,which may be similar to the U-shaped cover 142, as disclosed herein,such as when the arcuate trench 136 does not return back towards theblock 114 d and runs rectilinearly along the block 130 or away from theblock 130, such as to form an S-shape. Note that the plate 102 and theU-shaped cover 142 shield the tube 112 from puncture, such as from nailsor sharp objects, or external pressure, such as a dropped heavy objector a worker foot, or others undesired forces or objects. As such, theplate 102 or the U-shaped cover 142 acts as a heat transfer plate whilealso providing a structural protection to prevent undesired forces, suchas nails or screws, from penetrating into the tube 112 during flooringinstallation.

In one or more embodiments, the U-shaped cover 142 is coupled to thetube 112 using a compound, such as, for example, a heat sink compound.In one or more embodiments, the heat sink compound is an adhesive, suchas, for example, glue, paste, silicone, gel, epoxy, urethane, acrylate,or other adhesives. In one or more embodiments, the compound includes athermally conductive, metal oxide powder, such as, for example, aluminumoxide, boron nitride, zinc oxide, aluminum nitride, or other metal ormetal oxide, metal boride or metal nitride powders. In one or moreembodiments, the heat sink compound is used to couple the tubeengagement unit 100 to the tube 112 in place of or in addition to thelegs 106.

In one or more embodiments, each of the blocks 130, includes sub-blocks131, 133, and 135 positioned between the subfloor 118 and the finishedfloor 120. Each of the sub-blocks 131 have semi-circular and/or quartercircular cutouts. Each of the sub-blocks 133 are semi-circles, and eachof the sub-blocks 135 are quarter circles. In one or more embodiments,each of the sub-blocks includes a ledge and a wall defining the ledge.In one or more embodiments, the sub-blocks 131, 133 and/or 135 have anangular cross-section on the curved edges, but other shapes arepossible, whether symmetric or asymmetric, such as square, a rectangle,a triangle, an oval, a circle, or any other polygonal or non-polygonalshape.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a block for supporting a tube engagementdevice according to this disclosure. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of ablock for supporting a tube engagement device according to thisdisclosure. A block 144, such as a sleeper, is elongated and T-shaped asdefined via a pair of ledges 146, 150 extending from a stem as definedvia a pair of walls 148, 152. The block 144 includes a thermallyinsulating material, such as wood, such as plywood. The block 144 issolid, but can be perforated. The block 144 can include a bore or caninclude a magnet. The block 144 is planar and flat, but variations arepossible, such as via depressions or projections. Each of the ledges146, 150 can support the plate 102.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a tube engagement unit being supportedvia a pair of blocks according to this disclosure. The tube engagementunit 100 is supported via a pair of the blocks 144 such that the tubeengagement unit 100 is positioned therebetween.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a plurality of blocks supporting aplurality of tube engagement units according to this disclosure. Thetube engagement units 100 are supported via the blocks 144 such that thetube engagement units 100 are alternately positioned therebetween.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a block defining a plurality of U-shapedtrenches therein according to this disclosure. In context of FIG. 13,the block 130 defines a plurality of U-shaped trenches 132 therein, eachof the trenches 132 hosting a tube place holder 154. Each of theU-shaped trenches 132 enabling routing of the tube 112 between a pair ofthe tube engagement units 100. In context of FIG. 14, each of thesub-blocks 131 and 133 includes a ledge 137 and a wall 139 defining theledge.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a first mode of installation 150 ofunderfloor hydronic tubing according to this disclosure. FIG. 16 showsan embodiment of a second mode of installation 160 of underfloorhydronic tubing according to this disclosure. FIG. 17 shows anembodiment of a third mode of installation 170 of underfloor hydronictubing according to this disclosure. Each of the first mode ofinstallation 150, the second mode of installation 160, and the thirdmode of installation 170 is shown in cross-section, with each layeridentified in a part list on respective FIGS. 15-17.

FIG. 18 shows a jig for spacing apart a plurality of blocks according tothis disclosure. A jig 180 includes an elongated block 182, a handle184, and a plurality of legs 186. The handle 184 is secured to the block182, such as via fastening, mating, magnetizing, adhering, or othersecuring techniques, whether removably or irremovably. The legs 186 aresecured to the block 182 via fastening, but other securing techniques,such as mating, magnetizing, adhering, or others, can be used, whetherremovably or irremovably. At least one of the legs 186 is L-shaped asdefined via a stem and a tail, with the block 182 facing the stem andthe tail enveloping the block 182 such that the block 182 contacts thetail or against the tail. The legs 186 are spaced apart from each otherand extend transversely to the block 182.

The block 182 can include wood, plastic, metal, or other materials. Theblock 182 is shaped as a cuboid, but other shapes are possible, such aspyramid, trapezoidal prism, a cube, a hemisphere, or others. The block182 is solid, but can be perforated. The block 182, on any surface, canbe longitudinally marked with a graduated scale, such as a ruler,whether grooved thereon or written thereon in a visually or touchdistinct manner. The handle 184 can include wood, plastic, metal, orother materials. The handle 184 is U-shaped, but can be shapeddifferently, such as an L-shape, a V-shape, or others. At least one ofthe legs 186 can include wood, plastic, metal, or other materials. Whenat least one of the legs 186 is removably secured, then that leg 186 canbe moved along the graduated scale and secured along the graduatedscale. The jig 180 can include a level, such as a bubble level or aspirit level, including a multi-liquid container level for variousmeasurements. The level can be secured to or integrated with the block182, the handle 184, or at least one of the legs 186.

In one mode of operation, the jig 180 is used in a method forestablishing a proper spacing of between blocks 114 the tube 112 and thetube engagement unit 100. For example, in context of FIG. 3, the methodincludes positioning a first block 114 a on a surface, such as thesubfloor 118, where the first block 114 a includes a first ledge 122 aand a first wall 124 a. The method includes positioning a first leg 186a of a segment, such as the block 182, on the first ledge 122 a againstthe first wall 124 a, where the segment includes a second leg 186 b. Themethod includes positioning a second block 114 b on the surface, wherethe second block 114 b includes a second ledge 122 b and a second wall124 b, where the first wall 124 a faces the second wall 124 b. Themethod includes positioning the second leg 186 b on the second ledge 122b against the second wall 124 b. The method includes securing the secondblock 114 b to the surface. Therefore, the blocks 114 a, 114 b can beequally spaced.

Although various sizes are illustrated in this disclosure, such sizesare illustrative and can vary based on field conditions. In someembodiments, various functions or acts can take place at a givenlocation and/or in connection with the operation of one or moreapparatuses or systems. In some embodiments, a portion of a givenfunction or act can be performed at a first device or location, and aremainder of the function or act can be performed at one or moreadditional devices or locations.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The diagrams depicted herein are illustrative. There can be manyvariations to the diagram or the steps (or operations) described thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For instance, thesteps can be performed in a differing order or steps can be added,deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part ofthe disclosure. It will be understood that those skilled in the art,both now and in the future, can make various improvements andenhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

The description of this disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustiveand/or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations in techniques and structures will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in an art without departing from ascope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in the claims thatfollow. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplatedas being a part of this disclosure. A scope of this disclosure isdefined by various claims, which include known equivalents andunforeseeable equivalents at a time of filing of this disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a substantially flat,planar, U-shaped plate, comprising a first end having a first distalportion and a first proximal portion, a second end having a seconddistal portion and a second proximal portion, and a curved portionextending between and directly coupled to the first proximal portion ofthe first end and the second proximal portion of the second end; and ahydronic tube coupled to the U-shaped plate, wherein a length of thehydronic tube extends from the first distal portion of the first end tothe second distal portion of the second end, wherein the hydronic tubehas substantially similar curvature as the U-shaped plate.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the U-shaped plate is coupled to the hydronic tubevia a heat sink compound.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the compoundincludes an adhesive.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the U-shapedplate is coupled to the hydronic tube via a bracket.
 5. A devicecomprising: a substantially flat, planar, U-shaped plate, comprising afirst end, a second end, and a curved portion extending between anddirectly coupled to the first end and the second end; and a hydronictube coupled to the U-shaped plate, wherein the U-shaped plate iscoupled to the hydronic tube via a bracket, wherein the bracket isU-shaped, and comprises a first wall extending laterally from theU-shaped plate, a second wall spaced from the first wall and extendinglaterally from the U-shaped plate, and an arc extending between thefirst wall and the second wall.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein theU-shaped plate comprises one or more extensions.
 7. The device of claim6, wherein the one or more extensions is configured for coupling to ahydronic tube.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein the one or moreextensions is coupled to the hydronic tube.
 9. The device of claim 8,wherein the coupling is accomplished via a heat sink compound.
 10. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped plate is coupled to a hydronictube.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the coupling is accomplishedvia a heat sink compound.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein thecompound includes an adhesive.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein theU-shaped plate is configured for coupling to a hydronic tube.
 14. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped plate is configured for couplingto the hydronic tube via a bracket.
 15. A device comprising: asubstantially flat, planar, U-shaped plate, comprising a first end, asecond end, and a curved portion extending between and directly coupledto the first end and the second end; and a hydronic tube coupled to theU-shaped plate, wherein the U-shaped plate is configured for coupling tothe hydronic tube via a bracket, wherein the bracket is U-shaped, andcomprises a first wall extending laterally from the U-shaped plate, asecond wall spaced from the first wall and extending laterally from theU-shaped plate, and an arc extending between the first wall and thesecond wall.
 16. A method comprising: coupling a hydronic tube to asubstantially flat, planar, U-shaped plate, wherein the U-shaped platecomprises a first end having a first distal portion and a first proximalportion, a second end having a second distal portion and a secondproximal portion, and a curved portion extending between the firstproximal portion of the first end and the second proximal portion of thesecond end, wherein a length of the hydronic tube extends from the firstdistal portion of the first end to the second distal portion of thesecond end, wherein the hydronic tube has substantially similarcurvature as the U-shaped plate.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising positioning the hydronic tube in a subflooring.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein an upper portion of the U-shaped plate isflush with a top of the subflooring.
 19. The method of claim 16, whereinthe U-shaped plate is coupled to the hydronic tube via a heat sinkcompound.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the compound includes anadhesive.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the U-shaped plate iscoupled to the hydronic tube via a bracket.
 22. A method comprising:coupling a hydronic tube to a substantially flat, planar, U-shapedplate, wherein the U-shaped plate comprises a first end, a second end,and a curved portion extending between the first end and the second end,wherein the U-shaped plate is coupled to the hydronic tube via abracket, and wherein the bracket is U-shaped, and comprises a first wallextending laterally from the U-shaped plate, a second wall spaced fromthe first wall and extending laterally from the U-shaped plate, and anarc extending between the first wall and the second wall.
 23. The methodof claim 16, wherein the U-shaped plate comprises one or moreextensions.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the one or moreextensions is configured for coupling to a hydronic tube.
 25. The methodof claim 23, wherein the one or more extensions is coupled to thehydronic tube.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the coupling isaccomplished via a heat sink compound.
 27. A device comprising: asubstantially flat, planar, U-shaped plate, comprising a first endhaving a first distal portion and a first proximal portion, a second endhaving a second distal portion and a second proximal portion, and acurved portion extending between the first proximal portion of the firstend and the second proximal portion of the second end; and at least oneleg extending laterally from the U-shaped plate, wherein the at leastone leg is configured for coupling to a hydronic tube.